BBN / FEBRUARY 2020
Filipino community launch of Simbang Gabi By Roslyn Rajasingam
The ‘Simbang Gabi’ (literally translated as Night Mass) is usually celebrated at Dawn for nine consecutive days in anticipation of Christmas. It is a tradition of the Filipinos that dates back to 1669 during the Spanish rule. Almost all the parishes in the Philippines celebrate the ‘Simbang Gabi’ which is also now celebrated in many parishes around the world where Filipinos have migrated to. The homilies help the Mass attendees to reflect on their lives as they spiritually prepare for Christmas.
the Pastoral Leadership Team from the different deaneries in Broken Bay, collaborated and decided to highlight the liturgical celebrations with a joyful launch of the ‘Simbang Gabi’ in different parishes specifically the Dawn masses at Our Lady of Dolours in Chatswood and Vigil masses at St Kevin’s in Dee Why.
Another Filipino tradition is the paról, a colourful star-shaped lantern which Filipinos create to adorn their homes. It was appropriate then that Matthew 2:10: “When they saw the STAR, they were overjoyed” became the theme for the Launch of Christmas Novena Masses.
Weeks before the Launch, young people went to the Cathedral’s Nulty Room on Saturdays to create paper and bamboo Christmas star lanterns or to adorn the glass walls of the Cathedral on launch night. The Dean of the Cathedral was quite happy with their creations and requested that these lanterns be left hanging until the Feast of the Epiphany. The other paper paról creations were to be used to decorate the Light of Christ Centre during the fellowship evening.
This year, inspired by the Pastoral Coordinator, Deacon Roberto Corpuz,
The grand combined Filipino choir, composed of choir members from
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different deaneries, immediately scheduled their practices and chose the relevant Filipino hymns. The Launch included a concelebrated Mass with Bishop Anthony Randazzo as the main celebrant, assisted by other priests and deacons of the Diocese. It was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in Waitara on 14 December 2019, followed by a Christmas party at The Light of Christ Centre.